They conquered cancer, and soon,
they’ll combat stage fright when they share the struggles, emotions and success
stories they’ve experienced in front of a live audience as they embark upon
their second acts.

A 2nd Act’s S.T.A.R.S.:
Survivors Tell A Real Story event
is slated for 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24, at the Scottsdale Center for the
Performing Arts (7380 E 2nd St., Scottsdale), and eight Valley women are
gearing up to share their trials, tribulations and experiences as part of the
live storytelling performance. Organized around the belief that cancer
survivors can find “healing through helping,” the event will showcase the
inspiring stories of these strong Valley women as they reflect on the past and
make plans for the future.

“This is a group of women who
not only fought cancer and won, but who are now looking to lend their
experiences to others facing similar hardships in their 2nd Acts,” said
Judy Pearson, founder of A2ndAct.org. “It takes a certain strength of character
to not only speak publicly about their experiences, but to make efforts to help
those facing similar circumstances, and I have no doubt that the words of these
women will make an immeasurable impact on everyone in attendance.”

In addition to giving Valley
cancer survivors a platform from which to share their stories and offer support
for others battling cancer and other conditions, this month’s S.T.A.R.S. event will raise funds for
local workshops and microgrants that will, in turn, help survivors to continue
to give back through their 2nd Acts.

Scheduled storytellers at this
year’s S.T.A.R.S. event are as
follows:

Elizabeth Ayers Cluff –
Breast Cancer Survivor, Gilbert

A mother of three children who
finds strength through serving others, Elizabeth believes that having hope can
heal, both mentally and physically, which is the driving sentiment behind
Impact One, an organization she founded that caters to women affected by breast
cancer.

Marissa Gardner –
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Survivor, Glendale

A resident of Glendale, Arizona,
by way of Portland, Oregon, Marissa serves as a regional sales director for
Heritage Communities and spends her spare time hiking, running and making
connections with new people. Her passion is to share her story and give hope to
anyone facing a challenge.

Monica Castillo – Breast
Cancer Survivor, Phoenix

A local restaurant and business
consultant, Monica has made mentoring other women facing similar circumstances
a main priority after receiving her own cancer diagnosis. Monica helps women
view their cancer journeys through a different lens via The Bald Project.

Kim and Brittany may have met
under less-than-ideal circumstances, but their breast cancer diagnoses united
them, and they’re now “breast” friends forever. Having founded Young Advocacy
and Support, the pair proves that there’s strength in numbers, and that having
support is a critical part of any survivor’s story.

Patrice Tillman –
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Sarcoma Survivor, Tucson

Slated to graduate this fall
from the University of Arizona, cancer has given Patrice the opportunity to
reconnect with her faith. She spends her spare time reading, writing,
traveling, enjoying the company of her son, three daughters and two
grandchildren, and writing her memoire, Healing Patrice.

Arlene
Rosenberg – Breast Cancer Survivor,
Scottsdale

A survivor of advanced breast
cancer, Arlene concentrates her efforts on coaching and helping others achieve
their full potential through self-empowerment. An ardent believer that personal
and professional development comes from reprogramming thinking and letting go
of self-defeating behaviors, she continues to help others achieve greater
success in life through her website, ArleneRosenberg.com.

Andrea Tyler Evans –
Esthesioneuroblastoma Survivor, Phoenix

Andrea is the publisher of Frontdoors Magazine, a publication dedicated to celebrating those who
give generously and work to build the future of our community. She is one of the Phoenix Business Journal’s 2018 “Outstanding
Women in Business,” a graduate of Valley Leadership Institute and a proud ASU
alum.

Crystal Reidy – Breast Cancer
Survivor, Gilbert

Crystal manages community affairs at Desert Rain Behavioral Health Services, owns and operates a food truck, leads the non-profit Pink Sister Yard Sale, which supports moms battling stage four breast cancer, and she’s also a mother of five. Tickets for S.T.A.R.S.: Survivors Tell A Real Story are $22 (plus a $4.50 theatre surcharge) and available at the Box Office, 480-499-8587 or online at ScottsdalePerformingArts.org.

About Frontdoors Media

Frontdoors Media celebrates the people and groups who give generously and work to build the future of our community. It’s the premier source of information – and inspiration – for those who strive to make the Valley of the Sun a better place to live.

Frontdoors Media celebrates the people and groups who give generously and work to build the future of our community. It’s the premier source of information – and inspiration – for those who strive to make the Valley of the Sun a better place to live.